Years ago, I read a book called The Girls with the Grandmothers’ Faces. The premise of the book was how women aged with grace, keeping their sense of humor and having a zest for new adventures. I thought of this book often during a recent get together with my classmates from over five decades ago. As we engaged in conversations about our years in school, there was a glint in folks’ eyes; an indication they still had that adventuresome spirit.
I’m incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Osseo High School Class of 1966. Although I no longer live in Minnesota, I consider myself to still be a part of the lives of classmates I adore. This year’s class reunion, (our 58th) was celebrated by participating in a boat cruise out on beautiful Lake Minnetonka.
As I studied the sea of faces on that boat, I was reminded of the many memories shared during our school years. Most on this cruise were parents, grandparents, and in some cases great grandparents, but the one thing that became apparent to me is that while the twenty-four individuals on the boat had some setbacks through the years, all remained optimistic, even while navigating the challenges of aging.
As I zoomed with some of my classmates days later, I realized that while the day of our boat ride was beyond spectacular weather-wise, even if it had rained, this group would have made the best of the situation, expressing gratitude that the boat was equipped with canopies in case of inclement weather. What a wonderful role model these folks who view the glass as ‘half full’ rather than ‘half empty’ are.
When I travel to Minnesota, I stay with a dear friend of mine, Jane Ritter, and her husband, John. They always welcome me with open arms. This year, when I inquired about a town in Minnesota (Lindstrom) with a water tower resembling a Swedish coffeepot, the Ritters were all on board with taking me there. If you visit the Twin Cities, you really need to put Lindstrom on your bucket list! Jane and her husband are folks who are aging with dignity and still maintain an adventuresome spirit, and I’m so grateful they took the time out to explore the town with the tower that resembles a Swedish coffeepot.
The last leg of my high school reunion was spent at the Osseo Legion Hall, after the boat ride. It was here that two of my foster home families finally met (the Ehalts and the Roselands) and I have to tell you it doesn’t get any better than this. While the foster parents in homes #3 and #4 had never met, I felt as though they’d known one another all their lives. Although foster parents Art and Barbara Ehalt are now in heaven, as are foster parents, Lloyd and Elaine Roseland, their children, grandchildren, and remaining relatives remember so many wonderful things about them. (As a sidenote note, Betty Ehalt is not sleeping but simply looked down while the picture was being taken!)
When you are a writer, you get numerous opportunities to meet amazing people. I met some wonderful writers when I gave a talk at the McKinney Literary Fest several weeks ago. Here are some pictures of the event. Next month’s newsletter will introduce you to a lovely woman I met there named Linda Bonner. She’s written an amazing story about her son who has Downs Syndrome. Look for portions of Linda’s journey in my October newsletter!
Thank you for all your support in my writing endeavors! And a special thank you to two of my biggest fans: Jane Ritter and Mary Ehalt Ebert. You are the best. I think of you both every single time I begin a new book.
As always. I welcome book reviews from those who have read my works. A sentence or to is enough. Those reviews are so important.
If you’re already getting into the Christmas spirit, consider purchasing one of my Christmas books for those friends who are difficult to shop for. I love finding new readers! Both are available on Amazon in either a digital or print book. And if your book club reads one of my books, I would be happy to set up a zoom meeting and share some tidbits with your book club.
Happy September. Halloween will be here before you know it!
Gay Ann
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